Riding lawn mower

ABSTRACT

A riding lawn mower having an adjustable cutting width has at least one front wheel, a plurality of rear wheels, a frame extending from the at least one front wheel to the plurality of rear wheels and a plurality of cutting decks, each cutting deck comprising a cutting blade. A motor is supported by the frame and configured to drive the cutting blades of the cutting decks. A support configured to couple the cutting decks to the frame. The support is configured to extend at least one of the cutting decks laterally from beneath the frame to adjust a cutting width provided by the blades.

CROSS-REERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.17/346,511, filed Jun. 14, 2021, which is a continuation of priorapplication Ser. No. 17/220,609, filed Apr. 1, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No.11,147,209, both of which are incorporated herein by reference herein intheir entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates to riding lawn mowers and methodsrelating thereto. More specifically, the present application relates toimproved features of riding lawn mowers of various types, such as thosehaving gas engines, electric engines, horizontal-crankshaft engines,zero-turn features, etc.

Riding lawn mowers come in a variety of types and sizes for differentapplications. For home use on lawns of 1 to 1.5 acres, a riding lawnmower can be useful in tackling the time-consuming tasks of mowing,thatching, aerating, rolling and other lawn-care and yard tasks. Themower should be large enough to handle these tasks efficiently. However,a larger mower requires greater storage space in a garage or shed.Riding lawn mowers tend to be wide, long and high, due to the seat, gasmotor, etc.

Electric riding mowers can provide reduced noise and low emissions.However, current electric riding mowers are large and bulky.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a riding lawn mower, according to anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the riding lawn mower of FIG. 1 with avariation, according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the riding lawn mower of FIG. 1 with thevariation, shown in a collapsed mode, according to an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a free body diagram showing a mower in an expanded state,according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a free body diagram showing the mower of FIG. 4 in acompressed state, according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a riding lawn mower, according toanother illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a set of images of a riding lawn mower, according to anotherillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a right perspective view of a prototype of a riding lawnmower, according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a left perspective view of the prototype, according to anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the prototype, according to an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the prototype being lowered from a generallyvertical orientation to a generally horizontal orientation, according toan illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the prototype in a generally horizontalorientation in a compressed state, according to an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the prototype with the seat in an extendedstate, according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the prototype with the frame in an extendedstate, according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the prototype showing cutting decks inan extended state, according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a top view of cutting decks and a grass flow assembly,according to an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 17 is a view showing a bottom of the prototype and the deck in thecollapsed state, according to an illustrative embodiment.

Like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In some embodiments described herein, a riding lawn mower or othertractor may provide a cutting platform for a user that can collapse ortransform to a nearly flat profile that can then be stored vertically ina shed or garage.

In some embodiments described herein, a riding lawn mower may utilizebattery storage, electric drives, drive-by-wire steering, and/or a seatwhich folds flat to provide a collapsible mower suited for easy storage.An electric tractor may have one or more collapsible features, such as aseat, main frame, electrically-adjustable deck height, user input devicesuch as a joystick, and/or other features.

In some embodiments, an approach to collapsible or transformable lawncare equipment can be expanded to other items found in a garage whichconsume space, such as a snow blower or snow blower accessory thatattaches to the front of a tractor with its own electric drive, acollapsible cart for hauling mulch or yard waste, an aerator, roller,edger, trimmer, etc.

In some embodiments, one or more batteries may be integrated or recessedinto a main frame of the riding lawn mower to reduce the profilethereof.

In some embodiments, an electric riding mower may have features tominimize the vertical profile of the mower when collapsed for storage toless than 36 inches in height, less than 24 inches in height, or lessthan 18 inches in height.

In some embodiments, a riding lawn mower has a low height and acollapsible seat portion.

In some embodiments, a riding lawn mower is designed to be storedvertically or upright in a storage area, such as a garage or shed.

In some embodiments, a riding lawn mower has an adjustable cutting widthranging, for example from at least about 36 inches to less than about 60inches.

In some embodiments, a riding lawn mower may have cutting decks withblades operable at over 5000 RPM or about 6000 RPM.

In some embodiments, a riding lawn mower may have at least one, at leasttwo or at least three foldable or transformable components to reduce theprofile or vertical height of the lawnmower such that vertical storageis made easier.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a riding lawn mower 10 will be described accordingto a first embodiment. Riding lawn mower 10 may be any type of tractorlawnmower, ride-on lawnmower, or other mower designed for an operator tosit on while operating. Some features described herein may be applied topush mowers, towed mowers, or other lawn or garden equipment forproviding different tasks for residential, commercial, or agriculturalspaces. Mower 10 comprises at least one front wheel 12, which may be aplurality of wheels, such as two wheels, and at least one rear wheel 14which may also be a plurality of wheels. In alternate embodiments,continuous tracks or other vehicle propulsion systems may be employed.

A frame 16 extends from front wheels 12 to rear wheels 14 and acts as aprimary base in this embodiment. Frame 16 may comprise one or moreportions or components coupled together to support one or morecomponents of mower 10. For example, a battery support 16 a may bedisposed between two wheel supports 16 b and may be configured tosupport one or more batteries 18. In a gas engine embodiment, battery 18may provide power to start the engine. In an electric motor embodiment,battery 18 provides the power to drive the wheels and/or cutting blades.A footrest 16 c portion of frame 16 may have an inclined surfaceconfigured to support the feet of an operator riding the mower. Otherportions of the frame 16 may be provided for other functions. Thevarious portions may be made of materials such as steel or other metalsor alloys, polymers or plastics, composite materials, etc., which may becoupled together using welds, fasteners (e.g., bolts, etc.), or othercouplings.

As shown, wheel support portions 16 b of frame 16 may each comprise afirst portion 16 b 1 providing an axle for a rear wheel and a secondportion 16 b 2 providing an axle for a front wheel. Portions 16 b 1 and16 b 2 may be coupled together at a pivot point 16 b 3 which cancomprise a hinge, axle, or other pivot device to allow pivoting of firstportion 16 b 1 relative to second portion 16 b 2, as will be describedin greater detail below. Portions 16 b 1 and 16 b 2 may be movablerelative to each other at pivot point 16 b 3 using manual or powereddevices. For example, a drive mechanism, such as a linear drive motor orelectric drive may be used to adjust an angle defined by the portionsand the pivot over a range of values between near zero degrees and about180 degrees, or in some embodiments, between an acute angle and anobtuse angle, or in some embodiments, between less than about 90 degreesand more than about 100 degrees. The drive mechanism (not shown) may beconfigured to rotate the second portion of the frame at the pivot pointtoward the first portion of the frame, whereby a force required to liftthe mower at the front wheel is reduced, as will be described below withreference to FIGS. 4-5 .

One or more motors 20 may be supported by frame 16. Motors 20 may begas-powered motors, hybrid electric motors, electric or fully electricmotors, or other motors or engines. Motor 20 may comprise an electricmotor configured to draw power from the battery to drive the wheelsand/or cutting blades. Motors 20 may be configured to drive wheels 12and/or 14. Motors 20 may be configured to drive cutting blades disposedwithin cutting decks 23.

A seat 22 is disposed on a seat support 24, which is coupled to frame16. Seat support 24 is configured to dispose seat 22 in a raisedposition (shown) in an extended operating state of mower 10. Seatsupport 24 is configured to dispose seat 22 in a lowered position in acollapsed storage state of mower 10. Seat support 24 may comprise any ofa number of manual or powered actuating de-vices to move the seatbetween the raised and lowered positions, some of which will bedescribed in greater detail below. Seat 22 comprises a seat bottom 22 aand a backrest 22 b. Backrest 22 b is foldable toward and/or away fromseat bottom 22 a to provide a further collapsible or foldable aspect tomower 10. Backrest 22 b may be joined to seat bottom 22 a by a hinge orpivot mechanism at a pivot point.

A user input device 26, shown in this example as a joystick, is providedto allow an operator to control speed, direction, turning, etc. of mower10. User input device 26 can comprise a drive-by-wire control device, atrack ball, a hydraulic control device, an electromechanical controldevice, a touch screen or any other user input devices. User inputdevice 26 may comprise a portion of a portable, hand-held device, suchas a smartphone or tablet computer, which may communicate with a controlcircuit to provide user interface features comprising outputs and/orinputs. User input device 26 may comprise separate right and lefthydraulic control handles, one for driving each of a right and leftdrive wheel or track.

A control circuit (not shown) may be coupled to user input device 26,motors 20, batteries 16, and/or other components of mower 10. Thecontrol circuit may comprise analog and/or digital electronic devices,such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specificintegrated circuits, input/output devices, and other electronicsprogrammed to control mower 10 in accordance with commands from anoperator and functions programmed (e.g., in firmware, hardware, etc.) bya manufacturer. For example, the control circuit may be configured toreceive control signals from user input device 26 and control motors 20to operate wheels to turn left or right, perform a zero-turn operation,adjust speed of the wheels, etc. The control circuit may be configuredto receive commands from user input device 26 for raising or lowing thedeck and controlling an actuator to carry out the command on deck 23.The control circuit may be configured to receive commands to start,stop, control speed, etc. of cutting blades within deck 23. The controlcircuit may be configured to receive commands to collapse or fold (orextend or expand) any of the components of mower 10 that are designedfor such movement. The control circuit may comprise one or more memories(e.g., random access memory, EEPROM, flash memory), one or moreinput/output circuits to receive a user input or provide a user displayor graphical user interface, and one or more network communicationcircuits configured to communicate with other modules on the ridingmower and/or other devices such as a smartphone, cellphone tower, Wi-Firouter, Universal Serial Bus drive, Ethernet network, etc.

Mower 10 may comprise one or more convenience features, such as a cellphone caddy 31, cup holder, drawer, radio, powered stand-alone Bluetoothspeaker, etc.

According to one advantageous aspect, riding lawn mower 10 iscollapsible from an extended operating state (shown in FIG. 1 ) to acollapsed storage state (as will be described below). An operator cancollapse features of mower 10, such as seat 22, backrest 22 b, Userinput device 26, deck 23 (raising/lowering and/or extending/retractingoutside the frame), frame portions 16 b, and/or other features. In someembodiments, when collapsed, mower 10 has a first vertical height, asmeasured from a ground surface to an upper edge of the seat 22 c of lessthan about 28 inches, less than about 22 inches, and even less thanabout 18 inches. In some embodiments, when expanded into an operatingstate, mower 10 has a second vertical height (height 30) of more thanabout 30 inches, more than about 36 inches, more than about 42 inches,and even more than about 48 inches. The vertical height or profile ofmower 10 may be determined by mower 10 in its horizontal orientation(relative to a ground surface) as shown in FIG. 1 .

Another feature of mower 10 shat allows a reduced vertical profile isthat batteries 18 may be recessed within or set within frame 16. Forexample, a bottom surface of one or more batteries 18 may be below a topsurface of frame 16 and/or of frame portion 16 a. In another embodiment,batteries may be completely recessed within frame portion 16 a ordisposed beneath frame portion 16 a or a cover thereof.

With a reduced vertical profile, mower 10 can more easily be stored andretrieved from storage.

According to another feature, mower 10 may be stored in a verticalorientation (with front wheels above rear wheels) by lifting mower 10 inits collapsed state at the front wheels. If casters or additional wheelsare provided on a rear of mower 10, mower can be rolled on said castersand wheels 14 while in a substantially vertical orientation so that themower can be moved against a wall of a storage area.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are side views of mower 10 with a seat support 124according to an alternative embodiment. Seat support 124 comprises oneor more posts 132 (e.g., at least three posts, at least four posts,etc.) configured to couple seat bottom 22 a to frame 16. Posts 132 maybe part of a scissors lift, four-bar linkage, a powered lift mechanismor other retractable mechanism configured to raise and lower seat 22. Inthe embodiment shown, posts 132 are coupled to the frame and seat bottom22 a at respective pivot points, wherein the seat bottom 22 a extendsupward, travelling along an arc of a circle of about 90 degrees. Seatsupport 124 may be configured to move seat 22 from a raised position inthe extended operating state to a lowered position in the collapsedstorage state, wherein the seat base is generally horizontal in theraised position and in the lowered position. “Generally” horizontalrefers to an orientation of a component having a primary plane that ismore horizontal than vertical relative to a ground surface.“Substantially” horizontal refers to an orientation of a componenthaving a primary plane that is within about 10-20 degrees of truehorizontal, “Generally” vertical refers to an orientation of a componenthaving a primary plane that is more vertical than horizontal relative toa ground surface. “Substantially” vertical refers to an orientation of acomponent having a primary plane that is within about 10-20 degrees oftrue horizontal.

In other embodiments, seat support 124 may be configured to move seat 22from a stowed or collapsed position to a deployed or extended positionwhile maintaining seat bottom 22 a generally and/or substantiallyhorizontal throughout the entire range of movement, or throughout amajority of the range of movement.

Seat support 124 may be configured to move seat 22 manually from araised position to a lowered position, or movement may be done by apowered actuator that is controlled by the control circuit in responseto user commands at the user input device. The powered actuator may bean electric drive mechanism, a linear drive, a hydraulic drive, etc.

Separately, backrest 22 b may be configured (e.g., by way of a hinge orpivot mechanism) to move from a generally vertical position (as shown inFIG. 2 ) in the extended operating state away from seat bottom 22 a (oralternatively toward seat bottom 22 a) to a substantially horizontalposition (as shown in FIG. 3 ) in the collapsed storage state.

Seat support 124 may comprise one or more vibration absorbing devicesconfigured to reduce transmission of vibrations from the frame to theseat, such as a spring, a shock absorber, a hydraulic or gas piston,etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 , free body diagrams are used toillustrate other advantageous features of some embodiments. FIG. 4illustrates mower 10 in an expanded, operating state. FIG. 5 illustratesmower 10 in a collapsed state, ready to be hoisted up at wheel 12 forvertical storage. First portion of frame 16 b 1 is coupled at a pivotpoint 16 b 3 to second portion of frame 16 b 2. In this state, theweights of the motor, battery and tractor (as indicated by motor vector40, battery vector 42 and tractor vector 44), are borne between wheels12 and 14. Should an operator attempt to lift mower 10 from itshorizontal state to a vertical state for the purpose of storage, a largeforce torque) is needed as shown by force vector 46.

In the collapsed or compressed state of FIG. 5 , an operator hascontrolled a linear drive motor to fold first portion of frame 16 b 1toward second portion of frame 16 b 2. The angle formed by the twoportions therefore has decreased from an obtuse angle (as in FIG. 4 ) toan acute angle (as in FIG. 5 ). Now some of the weight previously bornebetween wheels 12 and 14 has shifted to the outside (or the right in thediagram) of wheel 14. In this example, the weight of the motor 40 andbattery 42 have been shifted to the outside of wheel 14, though inalternative embodiments the weights of any one or more components ofmower 10 may be shifted as such. In this case, wheel 14 acts as afulcrum, making the force required to lift mower 10 to its generallyvertical state smaller, as shown by smaller force vector 48.

In some embodiments, at least one of the motor and the battery issupported by the first portion of the frame 16 b 2 and the other of themotor and the battery is supported by the second portion of the frame 16b 1.

In some embodiments, a drive mechanism is configured to rotate secondportion of the frame 16 b 1 to a folded position making an acute anglewith the first portion of the frame. The angle may be about 90 degrees,less than about 90 degrees, less than about 75 degrees, or other angles.A force required to lift the mower at the front wheel may be reduced invarious embodiments.

In some embodiments, a plurality of rear wheels 14 act as a fulcrum tobalance a first portion of the weight supported by the frame 16 on afirst side of the fulcrum closest to the at least one front wheel 12 anda second portion of the weight supported by the frame 16 on a secondside of the fulcrum opposite the at least one front wheel. The secondportion of the weight may comprise at least one eighth of the firstportion of the weight. In another embodiment, the second portion of theweight may comprise at least one fourth of the first portion of theweight. In another embodiment, forces are approximately evenly balancedon the rear wheel acting as a fulcrum, significantly reducing the torquerequired to lift mower into the vertical position.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , a perspective view of a mower 110 according toanother embodiment will be described. Mower 110 may have featuressimilar to those described above with reference to mower 10. In thisembodiment, frame 116 has a non-pivoted portion extending from frontwheels 112 to rear wheels 114 as one continuous member. Frame 116 has asubstantially planar surface which can, in some embodiments, reduce orminimize the likelihood of grass collecting on frame 116 and beingdeposited into the storage area (e.g., garage, shed, etc.). Frame 116may be fabricated as a single continuous piece as shown, which mayfurther comprise wheel cover portions 116 e. Seat 122 may comprise aseat base 122 a which is supported directly on frame 116, without anintervening seat support. Alternatively, a foldable seat support may beused between seat base 122 a and frame 116 so that seat base 122 a maybe elevated to a position more accommodating of an operator's legs whileriding the mower 110. Backrest 122 b may be foldable to a substantiallyhorizontal position, manually and/or by a powered drive mechanism. Userinput device 126 may have a mechanical portion (e.g., a joystick) whichis extendable and retractable (e.g., by rotating joystick or a housingcoupled thereto from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation)to further reduce a vertical profile of mower 110.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , a mower 210 according to another exemplaryembodiment will be described. Mower 210 may have features similar tothose described above with reference to mower 10 and/or mower 110. Afirst image 201 shows a top view of mower 210. Mower 210 has a frame216. Frame 216 has a U-shaped cut-out which serves to reduce weight andmaterial costs while still extending front wheels 212 forward forimproved stability. Seat 222 is in a folded or collapsed state, in whichseat support 224 is folded or collapsed such that seat bottom 222 a isin a substantially horizontal position relative to a ground surface 250.Backrest 222 b is also folded or collapsed such that backrest 222 b isin a substantially horizontal position relative to ground surface 250.

Front image 202 shows a vertical profile from a ground surface 250 to anuppermost point or edge of seat 222 in its folded position. A verticalprofile of less than 18 inches may be present in this embodiment. A userinput device 226 may project above said vertical profile, or user inputdevice 226 may fold or rotate downward from a vertical orientation to ahorizontal orientation for improved storage.

Image 203 shows a top view of mower 210 in it extended or operationalstate. Image 204 shows that a vertical profile from a ground surface 250to a top edge 222 c of seat 222 is at least 36 inches. Support 224comprises a plurality of linkages that are foldable, pivotable, orslidable from an extended position (image 204) to a folded substantiallyhorizontal position (image 202). Image 205 is a composite image showingseat 222 in both extended and collapsed states. Notably, a major planeof seat bottom and/or backrest is substantially parallel with a groundsurface in the collapsed state, though in alternative embodiments suchparts may be at least generally parallel with a ground surface.

A width of frame 216 may be less than or about 40 inches, less than orabout 50 inches, etc. A width of cutting deck 223 may be less than orabout 42 inches. A length from front edge of front wheel and/or frame toa rear edge of rear wheel and/or frame may be at least 55 inches, lessthan 60 inches, etc. A diameter of a circular portion of deck 223 may beless than or about 18 inches, as shown in image 205.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-15 , a riding lawn mower prototype embodyingseveral features will be described herein, as well as a method ofdeploying a riding lawn mower from a collapsed storage state to anextended operating state. FIG. 8 shows mower 310 comprising a seat 322and a frame 316. Frame 316 comprises a first frame portion 316 b 1 and asecond frame portion 316 b 2 jointed at a pivot point 316 b 3 by anaxle. Mower 310 is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 in its collapsed statesuitable for storage in a generally vertical orientation. Althoughsecond frame portion 316 b 2 is generally horizontal, a major plane offrame 316 is generally vertical as shown in the figures. Mower 310 maycomprise casters or other supports 319 to, along with wheels 314 orother supports, help support mower 310 in its generally verticalorientation. The user of casters or other wheels allows easier movementof mower 310 to and from different locations in a storage area.

As shown in FIGS. 10-12 , a user may place a foot on axle 317 and pullon a top end of frame 316 to lower frame 316 from a generally verticalposition to a lowered, substantially horizontal position as shown inFIG. 12 . In this manner, the user is pivoting the riding lawn mower onthe rear wheels from a generally vertical storage position to agenerally horizontal use position FIG. 12 shows casters 319 which arenow out of contact with a ground surface. In the state shown in FIG. 12, mower 310 is resting on forward wheels 312 and rear wheels 314 andframe 316 is in a substantially horizontal position with an inclinerelative to a ground surface of between 10-30 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 13 , a user may manually move seat 322 to an extendedposition. A user is moving the seat from a lowered position to a raisedposition, the seat base being in a first generally horizontal positionin the lowered position and a second generally horizontal position inthe raised position. In this embodiment, seat support 314 comprises aplurality of posts that are foldable at pivot points. The pivot pointsmay comprise a peg rotatable in an aperture, which may further comprisea locking or retaining device to hold the peg in the desired extendedposition. Additional posts 333 may be provided to hold seat 322 in anextended position. The movement of seat 333 may be manual or by way of apowered actuator under control of a control circuit. Movement of seat333 may take place before, after, or simultaneously with the extensionof the frame 316 as will be described next.

Referring to FIGS. 13-14 , first and second portions of frame 316 may becoupled together at a pivot point by way of an axle. In this embodiment,a linear drive motor is configured to move the first portion relative tothe second portion, thereby deploying the rear wheels to an extendedposition by pivoting the second portion relative to the first portionthrough a predetermined angle.

In FIG. 13 , in a compressed or folded state, first and second portions316 b 1 and 316 b 2 form an acute angle therebetween. After extension,as shown in FIG. 14 , the first and second portions form an obtuse angletherebetween. Thus, the second portion of the frame is pivoted relativeto the first portion from an acute angle to an obtuse angle. In theextended position, the angle may be at least 100 degrees, at least 120degrees, or other angles. In the extended position, a primary plane offrame 316 may be closer to parallel with a ground surface than in thefolded position shown in FIG. 13 .

FIGS. 14-15 illustrate another feature of this embodiment. Mower 310 inthis embodiment comprises a plurality of cutting decks 323 a, 323 b,etc. The method of deploying the riding lawn mower may further compriseextending at least one cutting deck 323 a comprising a cutting bladefrom a stowed position (shown in FIG. 14 ) to a deployed position (shownin FIG. 15 ). The extension may be done manually by a user or a lineardrive motor may be operated to move the cutting deck(s) from the stowedposition to the deployed position. A cutting blade (not shown) may bedisposed within the deck, the deck covering the blade. The cutting blademay be driven by a motor, such as the motors described above withreference to the embodiments of FIG. 1 .

Cutting decks 323 a, 323 b, etc. may be coupled to frame 315 using oneor more supports, linkages or couplings. In the embodiment shown, alinkage assembly 360 comprises a first link 360 a coupling deck 323 a todeck 323 b and second and third links 360 b and 360 c coupling decks 323a and 323 b to another deck (beneath frame 316, not shown). Each oflinks 360 a, 360 b and 360 c may comprise an elongate bracket or tubehaving two ends, each end coupled to a center axis of a neighboringdeck. The end couplings are pivotable to allow the link ends to rotaterelative to the cutting decks. In this manner, linkage assembly 360 isconfigured to extend the blades horizontally from the stowed position tothe deployed position, either under manual power or by way of a poweredactuator under control from a control circuit. The deck support maycomprise at least three linkages joining at least three cutting decks atthe axes of rotation of the respective cutting blades of the cuttingdecks. Alternate supports for moving cutting decks 323 a, 323 b, etc.are contemplated.

By adjusting the cutting decks to a position within a range of positionsfrom the stowed position to the fully extended position, a cutting widthof mower 310 can be selected. In the fully stowed position, the decksare configured to provide a minimum cutting width. This fully stowedposition may also be a storage position, the cutting decks beingretractable inward to reduce the space needed to store the mower. In afully extended position, the decks are configured to provide a maximumcutting width. A control circuit or user may be able to adjust a cuttingwidth of the plurality of cutting decks to any width narrower than amaximum cutting width of the plurality of cutting decks. In someembodiments, the maximum cutting width is at least 50 inches and thewidth narrower than the maximum is less than 40 inches. The cuttingwidth may be adjustable between at least about 36 inches and less thanabout 48 inches. In alternative embodiments, the width is adjustablebetween at least about 36 inches and less than about 60 inches. Amaximum cutting width may be at least 50 inches and another selectablewidth narrower than the maximum may be less than 40 inches.

In some embodiments, the decks may be adjustable or movable over a rangeof cutting widths from about 36 inches to about 60 inches, from about 40inches to about 50 inches, from about 24 inches to about 42 inches, oracross other ranges. In one example, a user input device may be coupledto a control circuit to receive a selection from a user of a cuttingwidth. The control circuit may receive the user input indicating theselected cutting width and control a motor to move the cutting decks toprovide the selected cutting width. In an alternative embodiment,cutting width markings may be printed on frame 316, linkage assembly360, or another portion of mower 310 to allow a user to manually extendand/or retract the decks until an indicator on the decks or linkagealigns with a desired cutting width marking. A lock mechanism may beprovided to hold the decks in place at the desired cutting width, suchas a peg attached to the deck assembly and biased to be retained in aslot on another portion of mower 310.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , linkage assembly 360 or another supportmay be configured to extend at least one of the cutting decks laterallyand/or horizontally from a stowed position beneath the frame to adeployed position outside of the extent of the frame, and thereby toadjust a cutting width provided by the blades. The cutting width refersto the approximate width of grass on a ground surface to be cut as themower is operated by moving forward or backward. The blades are movedlaterally or perpendicularly relative to a direction of forward travelof the mower. In some embodiments, the movement is horizontal orsubstantially horizontal in extension and/or retraction directions. Inalternative embodiments, at least a portion of the extension and/orretraction movements of the cutting decks may comprise a vertical orsubstantially vertical component.

Referring now to FIG. 16 , each of cutting decks 323 a-e has arespective cutting blade 325 a-e which cuts a predetermined cuttingwidth (e.g., about 12 inches, less than about 13 inches, etc.). Forclarity, cutting widths 327 a and 327 b are shown. It can be seen that acutting blade 325 a of at least one cutting deck 323 a has a firstcutting width 327 a which overlaps at least part of a second cuttingwidth 327 b of a second cutting blade 325 b of a second cutting deck 323b. As one or more cutting decks are extended laterally (329), areduction or increase of this overlap occurs. Extending deck 323 a tothe left increases the overall cutting width while reducing the overlapin cutting width between deck 323 a and deck 323 b. Retracting deck 323a to the right decreases overall cutting width while increasing overlapin cutting width between deck 323 a and deck 323 b. A similarincrease/decrease can take place between cutting decks 323 b and 323 c,between decks 323 c and 323 d and/or between decks 323 d and 323 e.

In some embodiments, the cutting deck support 360 (FIGS. 14-15 ) and/ora second support may be configured to extend cutting decks laterally outopposite sides of the frame 360 (when viewed from above). Such supportsmay also be configured to retract cutting decks laterally within or atleast partially within the side edges of frame 360, a shown in FIG. 17 .

The number of decks shown is five, though in alternative embodiments thenumber of decks may be at least two, at least three, at least four, atleast five or other numbers. In the case of an odd number of decks, onedeck may be disposed in a fixed position substantially at a center axisof forward travel of the frame of the mower, while additional cuttingdecks are movable. In one embodiment, two cutting decks are disposed oneach side of the frame, two on the left side and two on the right side,as shown in FIG. 16 .

The arrangement of cutting decks illustrated in FIG. 16 has threecutting decks disposed generally forward of two cutting decks. In analternative embodiment, at least two cutting decks may be disposedforward of at least three cutting decks. In another embodiment, the atleast two cutting decks may be recessed between two front wheels toprovide a more compact arrangement of parts.

FIG. 16 illustrates additional features of various embodiments. In someembodiments, a riding lawn mower may comprise a grass flow arrangement370. Grass flow arrangement 370 may comprise a chute for one or more ofthe cutting decks, such as chutes 372 a-e. Each of chutes 372 a-e may bealigned with a corresponding cutting deck and/or cutting blade in aposition to receive grass clipping from the respective cutting deckand/or cutting blade. For example, with blades rotating clockwise asshown in FIG. 16 , chutes may be arranged with a chute opening or chuteend on a right-side portion of the respective deck. The chutes may bemade from any of a variety of materials, such as plastic, metals such assteel, polymers, etc. In one advantageous embodiment, the chutes aremade of a flexible material to allow decks 323 a-e to move laterally asdescribed above with the receiving ends of the chutes remaining attachedto their respect decks 323 a-e.

A main chute 374 may be coupled to chutes 372 a-e with depositing/outletends of the chutes 372 a-e open to apertures in the side of main chute374. In this manner, main chute 374 is configured to receive grassclippings from the chutes 372 a-e. Main chute 374 itself has adepositing/outlet end 374 a which opens to a side or rear of the mowerto deposit grass clippings received from chutes 372 a-e to the side orbehind the mower as it mows.

An assist motor 376 may be coupled to an end of main chute 374 and/orchutes 372 a-e to drive a fan configured to blow air through the chuteto assist in the movement of grass therethrough. For example, the fanmay be configured to blow grass clippings received in main chute 374from cutting deck chutes 372 a-e to expel the grass clippings out outletend 374 a.

In one embodiment, the fan and main chute are configured to generate aVenturi effect within the main chute to draw cut grass through thecutting deck chutes. In some embodiments, the assist motor is configuredto drive the fan at a speed sufficient to generate a vacuum at eachoutlet end of the cutting deck chutes. In some embodiments, the assistmotor may be configured to drive the fan at any of a range of differentspeeds, for example, to accommodate light, medium, or heavy flow ofgrass clippings.

FIG. 16 illustrates how grass can be exited from multiple cutting decks.Main exit chute can be a primary tube having a larger diameter than thecutting deck chutes. The blades may also be configured to generateforced air to move the grass into and/or through the cutting deckchutes. In one embodiment, the main chute may be configurable to exitgrass left and/or right and/or downward underneath the mower. Forexample, the assist motor and fan may be removable by a user from oneside and attachable to the other side of the main chute, for exampleusing a friction fit, detents, bolts, or other coupling mechanism. Insome embodiments, the main chute may comprise a first tube disposedwithin a second tube, each tube having holes that may be opened orblocked to allow a user to manually or via a powered motor align theholes to allow grass to be deposited underneath the chute.

In various embodiments, the decks and blades may take a variety of sizesand shapes. In one example, one or more of the blades have a bladediameter of about 12 inches or less (or about 16 inches or less). Insome embodiments, the blades may be operable at a selected speed withina range of available speeds. In one embodiment, the blades may beoperated at 18,500 feet per minute. With blades of smaller sizes, suchas about 12 inches or less or about 16 inches or less, the blades may beoperable at about 6000 rotations per minute or greater (or about 5000rotations per minute or greater).

In some embodiments, the user input device may be—or may be incommunication with—an application operable on a smartphone, tablet, orother handheld computing device. The application may provide featuressuch as recommended cut times, recommend cut heights, mulch application,weed and feed applications, etc. The application may provide programmingupdate features to the control circuit of the riding lawn mower of awireless communication link, such as a Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11x, or othercommunication link.

In some embodiments, a user input device, which may be a smartphone, orother touch screen device separate from or integrated into the frame orseat of riding lawn mower, may be configured to command the controlcircuit of the mower to electronically adjust deck height, controltorque/speed of the cutting blades, adjust the sensitivity of thejoystick or other driving control to optimize ride comfort (e.g., morespeed, less adjustment on the joystick, slow speed, more adjustment onthe joystick). In some embodiments, a user may use the user input deviceto command the control circuit to reverse the direction of the motors(e.g., electric motors or other motors) driving the cutting blades, forexample for cleaning, purging, or dislodging accumulated material fromthe blades and/or cutting decks.

In some embodiments, a separate electric motor may drive each of theplurality of rear wheels using power from respective batteries.

In some embodiments, the riding lawn mower is an electric riding mowerwhich uses batteries and electric motors instead of a gasoline-poweredengine.

In some embodiments, the use of electric motors instead of a gas-poweredengine allows for a lower vertical profile to make storage easier andmore efficient.

In some embodiments, the riding lawn mower has no steering wheel. Insome embodiments, the riding lawn mower has no rack and pinion steeringmechanism. The use of a drive-by-wire mechanism, such as a joystick orother small user input device, may further contribute to the lowvertical profile achievable.

In some embodiments, having a collapsible seat support and collapsiblebackrest allow the mower to achieve a lower vertical profile.

In some embodiments, the assist motor and fan described herein may beremovable from a portion of the mower and attached to a leaf blowerunit. A retractable power cord may couple the assist motor and fan tothe battery of the mower for a power supply.

In some embodiments, an integrated trimmer unit may be coupled to andremovable from a portion of the mower. A retractable power cord maycouple the trimmer unit to the battery of the mower for a power supply.

In some embodiments, an expandable/retractable deck as described hereinmay be produced as a stand-alone product or an add-on product foranother riding lawn mower or lawn tractor.

In some embodiments, a method of deploying a riding lawn mower from acollapsed storage state to an operating state is provided. The ridinglawn mower has front and rear wheels and a seat having a seat base and abackrest. The method comprises pivoting the riding lawn mower on therear wheels from a generally vertical storage position to a generallyhorizontal use position and moving the seat from a lowered position to araised position, the seat base being in a first generally horizontalposition in the lowered position and a second generally horizontalposition in the raised position. The riding lawn mower may have a framewith a first portion coupled to the front wheels and a second portioncoupled to the rear wheels, the first and second portions coupledtogether at a pivot point, in which the method may further comprisedeploying the rear wheels to an extended position by pivoting the secondportion relative to the first portion through a predetermined angle. Thesecond portion may be pivoted relative to the first portion from anacute angle to an obtuse angle. A linear drive motor may be provided tomove the second portion relative to the first portion. The method mayfurther comprise extending a cutting deck comprising a cutting bladefrom a stowed position to a deployed position. The method may furthercomprise operating a linear drive motor to move the cutting deck fromthe stowed position to the deployed position. The cutting deck may bedisposed on a linkage configured to extend the blades horizontally fromthe stowed position to the deployed position. The riding lawn mower maycomprise a plurality of cutting decks and the method may furthercomprise adjusting a cutting width of the plurality of cutting decks toa width narrower than a maximum cutting width of the plurality ofcutting decks. The maximum cutting width may be at least 50 inches andthe width narrower than the maximum may be less than 40 inches.

In another embodiment, a riding lawn mower having an adjustable cuttingwidth may comprise at least one front wheel, a plurality of rear wheels,a frame extending from the at least one front wheel to the plurality ofrear wheels, a plurality of cutting decks, each cutting deck comprisinga cutting blade, a motor supported by the frame configured to drive thecutting blades of the cutting decks and a support configured to couplethe cutting decks to the frame. The support may be configured to extendat least one of the cutting decks laterally from beneath the frame toadjust a cutting width provided by the blades. A cutting blade of the atleast one cutting deck may have a first cutting width which overlaps atleast part of a second cutting width of a second cutting blade of asecond cutting deck, wherein extending the at least one cutting decklaterally results in a reduction of the overlap while extending thecutting width. The support and/or a second support may be configured toextend cutting decks laterally out opposite sides of the frame. Theplurality of cutting decks may comprise at least two cutting decksdisposed on each side of the frame. The cutting width may be adjustablebetween at least about 36 inches and less than about 48 inches. Thecutting width may be adjustable between at least about 36 inches andless than about 60 inches. The support may comprise at least threelinkages joining at least three cutting decks at the axes of rotation oftheir respective cutting blades. The mower may further comprise a lineardrive motor configured to move the plurality of cutting decks from astowed position to a deployed position. The support may be configured toextend the blades horizontally from a stowed position to a deployedposition. The support may be operable to adjust a cutting width of theplurality of cutting decks to a width narrower than a maximum cuttingwidth of the plurality of cutting decks. The maximum cutting width maybe at least 50 inches and the width narrower than the maximum is lessthan 40 inches.

In another embodiment, a riding lawn mower may comprise at least onefront wheel, a plurality of rear wheels, a frame extending from the atleast one front wheel to the plurality of rear wheels, a plurality ofcutting decks disposed beneath the frame, each cutting deck comprising acutting blade, a motor supported by the frame configured to drive thecutting blades of the cutting decks and a support configured to couplethe cutting decks to the frame. Each cutting deck may have an associatedcutting deck chute aligned to receive cut grass from the cutting blade.A main chute may be coupled to the cutting deck chutes, the main chutehaving an outlet end. A fan may be coupled to the main chute andconfigured to blow air through the main chute to expel grass out theoutlet end. The fan and main chute may be configured to generate aVenturi effect within the main chute to draw the cut grass through thecutting deck chutes. The plurality of cutting decks may comprise atleast three cutting decks, each cutting deck being associated with acutting deck chute. The cutting deck chutes may be flexible toaccommodate movement of the cutting decks while remaining aligned toreceive the cut grass from the cutting blades. An assist motor may beconfigured to drive the fan at a speed sufficient to generate a vacuumat each of the cutting deck chutes. The motor may be configured to drivethe cutting blades at a range of different speeds.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anyinvention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures that may be specific to particular embodiments of particularinventions. Certain features that are described in this specification inthe context of separate embodiments can also be implemented incombination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features thatare described in the context of a single embodiment can also beimplemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described herein asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be removedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a sub combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. Moreover, the separation of various system modules andcomponents in the embodiments described herein should not be understoodas requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should beunderstood that the described program components and systems cangenerally be integrated together in a single product or packaged intomultiple products.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Otherembodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example,the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different orderand still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processesdepicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require theparticular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallelprocessing may be advantageous.

What is claimed is:
 1. A riding lawn mower having an adjustable cuttingwidth, comprising: at least one front wheel; a plurality of rear wheels;a frame extending from the at least one front wheel to the plurality ofrear wheels; a plurality of cutting decks, each cutting deck comprisinga cutting blade; a motor supported by the frame configured to drive thecutting blades of the cutting decks, a support configured to couple thecutting decks to the frame; and wherein the support is configured toextend at least one of the cutting decks laterally from beneath theframe to adjust a cutting width provided by the blades.
 2. The ridinglawn mower of claim 1, wherein a cutting blade of the at least onecutting deck has a first cutting width which overlaps at least part of asecond cutting width of a second cutting blade of a second cutting deck,wherein extending the at least one cutting deck laterally results in areduction of the overlap while extending the cutting width.
 3. Theriding lawn mower of claim 1, wherein the support and/or a secondsupport is configured to extend cutting decks laterally out oppositesides of the frame.
 4. The riding lawn mower of claim 3, wherein theplurality of cutting decks comprise at least two cutting decks disposedon each side of the frame.
 5. The riding lawn mower of claim 1, whereinthe cutting width is adjustable between at least about 36 inches andless than about 48 inches.
 6. The riding lawn mower of claim 1, whereinthe support comprises at least three linkages joining at least threecutting decks at the axes of rotation of their respective cuttingblades.
 7. The riding lawn mower of claim 1, further comprising a lineardrive motor configured to move the plurality of cutting decks from astowed position to a deployed position, wherein the support isconfigured to extend the blades horizontally from a stowed position to adeployed position, wherein the support is operable to adjust a cuttingwidth of the plurality of cutting decks to a width narrower than amaximum cutting width of the plurality of cutting decks, wherein themaximum cutting width is at least 50 inches and the width narrower thanthe maximum is less than 40 inches.
 8. A riding lawn mower having anextended operating state and a collapsed storage state, comprising: atleast one front wheel; a plurality of rear wheels; a frame extendingfrom the at least one front wheel to the plurality of rear wheels; amotor supported by the frame; a battery supported by the frame; a seatcomprising a seat bottom and a backrest; and a seat support configuredto dispose the seat to a raised position in the extended operating stateand to dispose the seat to a lowered position in the collapsed storagestate, wherein the riding lawn mower has a vertical height from a groundsurface to an upper edge of the seat in the collapsed storage state ofless than about 28 inches.
 9. The riding lawn mower of claim 8, whereinthe vertical height is less than about 22 inches.
 10. The riding lawnmower of claim 9, wherein the vertical height is less than about 18inches.
 11. The riding lawn mower of claim 8, wherein the riding lawnmower has a second vertical height from the ground surface to the upperedge of the seat in the extended operating state of at least 36 inches.12. The riding lawn mower of claim 8, wherein the motor is an electricmotor configured to draw power from the battery to drive the pluralityof rear wheels.
 13. The riding lawn mower of claim 8, wherein a bottomsurface of the battery is below a top surface of the frame.
 14. Theriding lawn mower of claim 8, further comprising a drive-by-wiresteering device configured to steer the riding lawn mower.
 15. A ridinglawn mower having an extended operating state and a collapsed storagestate, comprising: at least one front wheel; a plurality of rear wheels;a frame extending from the at least one front wheel to the plurality ofrear wheels; a motor supported by the frame; a battery supported by theframe; a seat comprising a seat bottom and a backrest; and a seatsupport configured to move the seat from a raised position in theextended operating state to a lowered position in the collapsed storagestate, wherein the seat base is generally horizontal in the raisedposition and in the lowered position.
 16. The riding lawn mower of claim15, wherein the seat support is configured to be moved manually from theraised position to the lowered position.
 17. The riding lawn mower ofclaim 15, further comprising an electric drive mechanism configured tomove the seat support from the raised position to the lowered position.18. The riding lawn mower of claim 15, wherein the backrest isconfigured to move from a generally vertical position in the extendedoperating state away from the seat bottom to a substantially horizontalposition in the collapsed storage state.
 19. The riding lawn mower ofclaim 15, wherein the seat support comprises a lift assembly comprisingat least three posts configured to raise and lower the seat.
 20. Theriding lawn mower of claim 15, wherein the seat support comprises a liftassembly comprising a vibration absorbing device configured to reducetransmission of vibrations from the frame to the seat.